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Contagion of Lies
Everyone’s lying. Someone’s killing. And Jordan Monroe’s running out of time.
Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe thought estate law was safe. Then her mentor dies, leaving her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a double-murder case that could resurrect her career—or destroy what’s left of it.
Dr. Ian Stratton, a respected Harbor Point surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress are dead from lethal injections. The evidence points straight to a volatile affair, public threats, and a mountain of motive. But as Jordan builds her defense, she uncovers something bigger—a hospital drowning in secrets, cover-ups, and dangerous enemies.
Inside Harbor Medical, three shadowy suspects
Dr. Blake Rowe — Stratton’s betrayed best friend with deadly drug knowledgeEvelyn Grant — a disgraced tech stalking Jordan’s nieceSarah Rowe — Blake’s wife, lying about her access to the victimWhen Grant’s obsession turns violent and surveillance evidence leaks, Jordan must protect her family while fighting manipulated witnesses, missing evidence, and a system built to bury the truth. The deeper she digs, the more she questions Mallory’s innocence—and her own role in defending her.
In a world where everyone lies, Jordan must decide how far she’ll go to win. Because the most dangerous predator… is the one you never see coming.
Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, and Melinda Leigh, Contagion of Lies delivers a relentless legal thriller where courtroom drama collides with psychological suspense—and every decision carries a cost.
Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe thought estate law was safe. Then her mentor dies, leaving her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a double-murder case that could resurrect her career—or destroy what’s left of it.
Dr. Ian Stratton, a respected Harbor Point surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress are dead from lethal injections. The evidence points straight to a volatile affair, public threats, and a mountain of motive. But as Jordan builds her defense, she uncovers something bigger—a hospital drowning in secrets, cover-ups, and dangerous enemies.
Inside Harbor Medical, three shadowy suspects
Dr. Blake Rowe — Stratton’s betrayed best friend with deadly drug knowledgeEvelyn Grant — a disgraced tech stalking Jordan’s nieceSarah Rowe — Blake’s wife, lying about her access to the victimWhen Grant’s obsession turns violent and surveillance evidence leaks, Jordan must protect her family while fighting manipulated witnesses, missing evidence, and a system built to bury the truth. The deeper she digs, the more she questions Mallory’s innocence—and her own role in defending her.
In a world where everyone lies, Jordan must decide how far she’ll go to win. Because the most dangerous predator… is the one you never see coming.
Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, and Melinda Leigh, Contagion of Lies delivers a relentless legal thriller where courtroom drama collides with psychological suspense—and every decision carries a cost.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
K.J. McGillick
18 books171 followersKathleen McGillick, an attorney for three decades, channels her passion for mystery and suspense into crafting gripping novels. A devoted fan of the genre since her childhood days of consuming Nancy Drew tales, she seamlessly intertwines her extensive legal and medical knowledge to create intricate plotlines. Her deep appreciation for art history infuses her stories with an added layer of intrigue, making her narratives uniquely captivating.
From a young age, Kathleen aspired to be an English literature teacher. While life led her down a different trajectory, her enduring love for literature remained. Today, she revisits that early passion, not through teaching, but by weaving enthralling tales for readers to lose themselves in.
In every book she writes, Kathleen masterfully blends her professional insights and her fervor for art and history, offering readers a thrilling literary escape. Her journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, life brings us back to our first loves in the most unexpected ways.
From a young age, Kathleen aspired to be an English literature teacher. While life led her down a different trajectory, her enduring love for literature remained. Today, she revisits that early passion, not through teaching, but by weaving enthralling tales for readers to lose themselves in.
In every book she writes, Kathleen masterfully blends her professional insights and her fervor for art and history, offering readers a thrilling literary escape. Her journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, life brings us back to our first loves in the most unexpected ways.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 2, 2025
Jordan is left to defend a murder suspect after her mentor drops dead. Can she handle a double murder trial?
This was a well written legal thriller. The courtroom scenes made you feel like you were part of the jury.
I was blown away by the ending! If you like gripping legal thriller, definitely add this one to your list
This was a well written legal thriller. The courtroom scenes made you feel like you were part of the jury.
I was blown away by the ending! If you like gripping legal thriller, definitely add this one to your list
October 20, 2025
The author described the court case in detail.
It felt like I was part of the jury.
decision to make.
Innocent person in prison or guilty person released into society.
It felt like I was part of the jury.
decision to make.
Innocent person in prison or guilty person released into society.
January 7, 2026
I recently had the opportunity to grab a copy of Contagion of Lies in return for providing a fair review. I would like to thank the author and the fine folks at BookSirens.
Contagion of Lies is an absolute masterclass in how to write a legal thriller. It's taut, full of suspense and every single character has so much depth that it's intriguing to turn the page and peel back the layers. It's full of twists and keeps you on your toes.
The synopsis of the story is when a former prosecutor, Jordan Monroe, who after being downsized "due to fiscal reasons" manages to pick up a minor position with a small estate-law law firm of Bishop & Associates.
Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe thought estate law was safe. Then her mentor (Henry Bishop) dies, leaving her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a double-murder case that could resurrect her career—or destroy what’s left of it.
Dr. Ian Stratton, a respected Harbor Point surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress are dead from lethal injections. The evidence points straight to Mallory: a volatile affair, public threats, and a mountain of motive. But as Jordan builds her defense, she uncovers something bigger—a hospital drowning in secrets, cover-ups, and dangerous enemies.
Inside Harbor Medical, three shadowy suspects emerge:
• Dr. Blake Rowe — Stratton’s betrayed best friend with deadly drug knowledge
• Evelyn Grant — a disgraced tech stalking Jordan’s niece
• Sarah Rowe — Blake’s wife, lying about her access to the victim
When Grant’s obsession turns violent and surveillance evidence leaks, Jordan must protect her family while fighting manipulated witnesses, missing evidence, and a system built to bury the truth. The deeper she digs, the more she questions Mallory’s innocence—and her own role in defending her.
In a world where everyone lies, Jordan must decide how far she’ll go to win. Because the most dangerous predator… is the one you never see coming.
It's been a short while since I have read any "legal thrillers", and this one starts off similar to a "police procedural" as to how to investigate a murder.
That said on my self-determined five-point rating scale. this is a strong legal thriller as a former prosecutor is put in the predicament of having to defend an accused double murderer and the further the case goes on, the more that she questions her client. I would give this book a solid four stars. This book would soon become a favourite for fans of John Grisham and Karin Gardiner,
As with all my literary rants, this is just my five cents' worth.
Contagion of Lies is an absolute masterclass in how to write a legal thriller. It's taut, full of suspense and every single character has so much depth that it's intriguing to turn the page and peel back the layers. It's full of twists and keeps you on your toes.
The synopsis of the story is when a former prosecutor, Jordan Monroe, who after being downsized "due to fiscal reasons" manages to pick up a minor position with a small estate-law law firm of Bishop & Associates.
Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe thought estate law was safe. Then her mentor (Henry Bishop) dies, leaving her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a double-murder case that could resurrect her career—or destroy what’s left of it.
Dr. Ian Stratton, a respected Harbor Point surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress are dead from lethal injections. The evidence points straight to Mallory: a volatile affair, public threats, and a mountain of motive. But as Jordan builds her defense, she uncovers something bigger—a hospital drowning in secrets, cover-ups, and dangerous enemies.
Inside Harbor Medical, three shadowy suspects emerge:
• Dr. Blake Rowe — Stratton’s betrayed best friend with deadly drug knowledge
• Evelyn Grant — a disgraced tech stalking Jordan’s niece
• Sarah Rowe — Blake’s wife, lying about her access to the victim
When Grant’s obsession turns violent and surveillance evidence leaks, Jordan must protect her family while fighting manipulated witnesses, missing evidence, and a system built to bury the truth. The deeper she digs, the more she questions Mallory’s innocence—and her own role in defending her.
In a world where everyone lies, Jordan must decide how far she’ll go to win. Because the most dangerous predator… is the one you never see coming.
It's been a short while since I have read any "legal thrillers", and this one starts off similar to a "police procedural" as to how to investigate a murder.
That said on my self-determined five-point rating scale. this is a strong legal thriller as a former prosecutor is put in the predicament of having to defend an accused double murderer and the further the case goes on, the more that she questions her client. I would give this book a solid four stars. This book would soon become a favourite for fans of John Grisham and Karin Gardiner,
As with all my literary rants, this is just my five cents' worth.
November 3, 2025
Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe hoped for an easy life in estate law. That hope vanishes when her mentor is killed, forcing her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a difficult double-murder case. This would be the first time when she is on the other side, defending a client, establishing “ a reasonable doubt” in the minds of the jury rather than a prosecutor, proving beyond doubt the accused’s role in the crime. This trial could bring Jordan back to the top of her profession—or destroy everything she has left.
The two victims—Dr. Ian Stratton, a highly regarded surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress were killed by lethal injections. All the basic evidence points to Mallory: she had a volatile affair with Stratton, publicly threatened him, and certainly had the motive. But as Jordan dives into her defence, she uncovers a disturbing truth: the hospital is rotten with secrets, hidden dangers, and powerful enemies.
The investigation soon turns to three shadowy suspects inside Harbour Medical: Dr. Blake Rowe, Stratton’s best friend, who was betrayed and has dangerous knowledge of hospital drugs, Evelyn Grant, A disgraced former employee whose strange obsession leads her to stalk Jordan’s young niece. And Sarah Rowe, Blake’s wife, who seems to be lying about her access to the victim.
The situation worsens when Jordan realises she is being stalked, and her niece may be in danger. Jordan is suddenly fighting a two-front war: she must protect her family while battling manipulated witnesses, crucial missing evidence, and a legal system designed to bury the truth.
The deeper she digs into the hospital’s dark secrets, the more Jordan questions her client’s innocence and her own role in the defence. In a world where every single person seems to be hiding something,
An excellent story that keeps you engrossed, barring an overdose of courtroom procedures that diverts attention from the main plot.
Thank you to BookSprout for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
The two victims—Dr. Ian Stratton, a highly regarded surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress were killed by lethal injections. All the basic evidence points to Mallory: she had a volatile affair with Stratton, publicly threatened him, and certainly had the motive. But as Jordan dives into her defence, she uncovers a disturbing truth: the hospital is rotten with secrets, hidden dangers, and powerful enemies.
The investigation soon turns to three shadowy suspects inside Harbour Medical: Dr. Blake Rowe, Stratton’s best friend, who was betrayed and has dangerous knowledge of hospital drugs, Evelyn Grant, A disgraced former employee whose strange obsession leads her to stalk Jordan’s young niece. And Sarah Rowe, Blake’s wife, who seems to be lying about her access to the victim.
The situation worsens when Jordan realises she is being stalked, and her niece may be in danger. Jordan is suddenly fighting a two-front war: she must protect her family while battling manipulated witnesses, crucial missing evidence, and a legal system designed to bury the truth.
The deeper she digs into the hospital’s dark secrets, the more Jordan questions her client’s innocence and her own role in the defence. In a world where every single person seems to be hiding something,
An excellent story that keeps you engrossed, barring an overdose of courtroom procedures that diverts attention from the main plot.
Thank you to BookSprout for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
October 1, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The layout of the story reminds me of the "Law and Order" series.
This story is about Jordan, a former prosecutor who was terminated because of a supposed budget problem. Jordan is now working at a law firm doing work not crime related. This all changes when Mallory James contacts her boss Henry regarding her possible arrest for a murder. Mallory is arrested and at the arraignment hearing, Henry suffers a medical attack. This now puts Jordan defending Mallory.
The 1st part of the story follows Detective Vega as he prepares his case for the prosecution of Mallory. It follows and reveals what steps he took and the results that he learned. With what evidence he gathered it was determined that there was enough to bring the case to trial.
The story then picks up and follows Jordan and Ellie as the prepare to defend Mallory. Jordan's defense will be to bring reasonable doubt by introducing other people that had a motive for the killing. Follow along and read how Slater, the prosecutor, presented her case and what sort of response Jordan presented as the trial proceeded. Learn of what the verdict was and how it all ended.
This story is well done and will keep you guessing right till the end. This definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
The layout of the story reminds me of the "Law and Order" series.
This story is about Jordan, a former prosecutor who was terminated because of a supposed budget problem. Jordan is now working at a law firm doing work not crime related. This all changes when Mallory James contacts her boss Henry regarding her possible arrest for a murder. Mallory is arrested and at the arraignment hearing, Henry suffers a medical attack. This now puts Jordan defending Mallory.
The 1st part of the story follows Detective Vega as he prepares his case for the prosecution of Mallory. It follows and reveals what steps he took and the results that he learned. With what evidence he gathered it was determined that there was enough to bring the case to trial.
The story then picks up and follows Jordan and Ellie as the prepare to defend Mallory. Jordan's defense will be to bring reasonable doubt by introducing other people that had a motive for the killing. Follow along and read how Slater, the prosecutor, presented her case and what sort of response Jordan presented as the trial proceeded. Learn of what the verdict was and how it all ended.
This story is well done and will keep you guessing right till the end. This definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
September 14, 2025
Absolutely Compelling – A Gripping Page-Turner!
Contagion of Lies by McGillick is a fantastic, immersive thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. I read the entire book in under 24 hours because I simply could not put it down. The plot is filled with twists, secrets, and unexpected turns that keep you constantly guessing and fully engaged.
The pacing and structure are spot-on—fast enough to maintain momentum, yet thoughtful enough to allow for rich character development. I really appreciated the introspective lens through which we see the characters: their doubts, fears, hopes, and motivations felt incredibly real and relatable. Each one felt authentic, flawed, and fully human.
The writing is sharp and well-crafted, pulling you deeper into a world of deception, intrigue, and emotional complexity. McGillick does a fantastic job balancing suspense with depth. The title, Contagion of Lies, is absolutely perfect and resonates strongly with the themes of the story.
Highly recommend if you enjoy intelligent thrillers with emotional weight and psychological nuance. One of the best reads I've had this year!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Contagion of Lies by McGillick is a fantastic, immersive thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. I read the entire book in under 24 hours because I simply could not put it down. The plot is filled with twists, secrets, and unexpected turns that keep you constantly guessing and fully engaged.
The pacing and structure are spot-on—fast enough to maintain momentum, yet thoughtful enough to allow for rich character development. I really appreciated the introspective lens through which we see the characters: their doubts, fears, hopes, and motivations felt incredibly real and relatable. Each one felt authentic, flawed, and fully human.
The writing is sharp and well-crafted, pulling you deeper into a world of deception, intrigue, and emotional complexity. McGillick does a fantastic job balancing suspense with depth. The title, Contagion of Lies, is absolutely perfect and resonates strongly with the themes of the story.
Highly recommend if you enjoy intelligent thrillers with emotional weight and psychological nuance. One of the best reads I've had this year!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2025
4.5 upped to 5
This legal thriller doesn’t waste time: smart, tense, and quietly fierce.
McGillick delivers tight writing, layered characters, and Gritty courtroom suspense.
Jordan Monroe is a standout lead: principled, emotionally complex, and refreshingly unflinching. Her voice carries the story with clarity and grit. The supporting cast adds texture, especially the morally murky players who keep you guessing.
The pacing is brisk, the tension steady. It slows a bit in the middle, but the final chapters hit hard.
Twists land, stakes rise, and the resolution satisfies without tying every thread too neatly.
McGillick’s legal expertise shows: the courtroom scenes are sharp, the ethical dilemmas feel real, and the emotional undercurrents give the story weight.
This is a thriller that respects its reader: no fluff, no filler, just clean storytelling with teeth.
A page turner I recommend
Many thanks to Kathleen McGillick and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
This legal thriller doesn’t waste time: smart, tense, and quietly fierce.
McGillick delivers tight writing, layered characters, and Gritty courtroom suspense.
Jordan Monroe is a standout lead: principled, emotionally complex, and refreshingly unflinching. Her voice carries the story with clarity and grit. The supporting cast adds texture, especially the morally murky players who keep you guessing.
The pacing is brisk, the tension steady. It slows a bit in the middle, but the final chapters hit hard.
Twists land, stakes rise, and the resolution satisfies without tying every thread too neatly.
McGillick’s legal expertise shows: the courtroom scenes are sharp, the ethical dilemmas feel real, and the emotional undercurrents give the story weight.
This is a thriller that respects its reader: no fluff, no filler, just clean storytelling with teeth.
A page turner I recommend
Many thanks to Kathleen McGillick and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
January 20, 2026
This was a SOLID story. I love courtroom thrillers and this one is included. I received this book through BookSirens and overall it was good.
There needs to be some additional editing.
There were several phrases that were so repetitive that it began to sound like amateur writing.
There should have been a bit more solid ending around the nurse who was charged with stalking.
Yet, even through all that, the characters and their individual voices were immaculate. The story and plot were really good, and it kept me hooked from start to finish.
There needs to be some additional editing.
There were several phrases that were so repetitive that it began to sound like amateur writing.
There should have been a bit more solid ending around the nurse who was charged with stalking.
Yet, even through all that, the characters and their individual voices were immaculate. The story and plot were really good, and it kept me hooked from start to finish.
October 26, 2025
A combo medical and legal thriller.
Jordan defends the heck out of her client only to discover she has egg on her face.
The crower who brags about getting away with what she’s done will face their deliverance one day.
It’s a meaty read, perfect for any budding detective or legal expert who enjoys the courtroom case dance.
Thanks Rachel’s Random Resources for the advance read.
Jordan defends the heck out of her client only to discover she has egg on her face.
The crower who brags about getting away with what she’s done will face their deliverance one day.
It’s a meaty read, perfect for any budding detective or legal expert who enjoys the courtroom case dance.
Thanks Rachel’s Random Resources for the advance read.
October 16, 2025
I loved this story. It was well written where you feel like you are right there beside the characters. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 13, 2025
Contagion of Lies has a good plot and makes an entertaining read. The story explores the doubts that defense attorneys might have when defending someone who they believe might be guilty and getting them acquited and has a rather interesting and unexpected ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2025
This was absolutely brilliant. I have read other books by this author and they were all riveting and complex reads and this is in the same vein although the story is totally different.
It's part police procedural initially but mainly a legal thriller as Jordan finds herself thrust into the spotlight as the defense attorney for a cold unsympathetic woman after the murder of her colleague and former lover. This had everything. I changed my mind several times and I loved how Jordan struggled to raise the reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury. It felt very real. There is also a creepy stalker vibe throughout to add to the thrills. The ending was amazing with several twists that left me open-mouthed. I think this will probably be a standalone but I would love if this could be the start of a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's part police procedural initially but mainly a legal thriller as Jordan finds herself thrust into the spotlight as the defense attorney for a cold unsympathetic woman after the murder of her colleague and former lover. This had everything. I changed my mind several times and I loved how Jordan struggled to raise the reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury. It felt very real. There is also a creepy stalker vibe throughout to add to the thrills. The ending was amazing with several twists that left me open-mouthed. I think this will probably be a standalone but I would love if this could be the start of a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews